Candid pic of famous brothers is released as part of uni centenary
PHOTOGRAPH FROM 1990 VISIT TO RECEIVE CITY HONOUR
A RARE photograph of Leicester’s famous Attenborough brothers has been shared by the University of Leicester to commemorate its centenary.
The wonderful image captures a candid moment between Sir David and the late Lord Richard Attenborough, taken on the university campus during a visit to the city in 1990.
It has been released as part of celebrations marking the university’s 100th birthday this week, and to honour its unique relationship with the family.
The brothers, who became bastions of the British TV and film industries, grew up on the grounds of the university.
Their father, Frederick Attenborough, was made second principal of University College Leicester in 1932 11 years after the university was founded.
Its establishment had been described as a “living memorial” to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who made sacrifices during the First World War - a legacy reflected in the university’s motto Ut vitam habeant “So that they may have life”.
The Attenborough family lived on the campus, in College House, for almost 20 years – and the building where the brothers spent their childhood remains on site to this day.
Lord Richard, known affectionately as Dickie to his adoring public and friends, went on to become a worldfamous Hollywood actor and filmmaker.
He starred in acclaimed films such as Brighton Rock, The Great Escape and The Sand Pebbles alongside Steve McQueen, Jurassic Park and Miracle on 34th Street.
He was nominated for several Academy Awards, winning Best Picture and Best Director for 1983’s Ghandi. He died in 2014, aged 90.
Sir David, now 95, remains one of the best-loved and respected English broadcasters and authors - best known for his BBC natural history documentaries such as Life on Earth and The Blue Planet.
The newly-released photograph taken by photographer Neville Chadwick, who is best known for his long association with Leicester City FC, shows a joyful moment with the two brothers, laughing together as they are buffeted by a strong wind atop one of the university buildings.
“This image was taken on a particularly windy day on campus on June 22, 1990,” said a spokeswoman for the university.
“Sir David and Lord Richard had come to the university as part of a visit to Leicester to receive the Freedom of the City for their outstanding contribution to humanity through their work.”
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “On the occasion of our centenary, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the Attenborough family, who are true citizens of change, and have been a leading light in the world through their kindness, compassion and love for people and our planet. I am delighted to honour their legacy.”